Have you ever met anyone that doesn't like fried chicken? I can't say that I have, and I don't know that I could trust someone who doesn't like fried chicken! It's one of those foods that I rarely eat because it's really not great for you, but when I do...oh man is it worth it! Oddly enough, since becoming pregnant, chicken and I have not been the best of friends. I can't say that I have enjoyed eating chicken at all over the past four months, it just doesn't taste good to me. Well it didn't, until the other night when I made my oven "fried" chicken! Guys, what a game changer for this pregnant lady! And you want to know the best part? I promise you that it's super easy and you won't miss the traditional deep fried version at all!

I wouldn't lie to you. Number one I am pregnant, so I take food even more seriously right now, and number two, it's 100% hubby approved! Trust me on this recipe! When you feel yourself entering into your weeknight dinner recipe slump, throw this one into the mix and see how your family reacts! I am willing to bet this will become a new favorite in your house!

PostedApril 27, 2015

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesDinner

Tagsoven fried chicken recipe, healthy fried chicken, chicken recipes, dinner, homemade, chicken

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Roasted Cornish Hens and Root Vegetables: My Diary of Us

I woke up this morning thinking it was Tuesday and to my surprise realized that it was Wednesday. I love when that happens usually because it means the weekend is right around the corner, but in this case it just means that my days are passing too quickly these last two weeks here in Louisiana. My days are packed full with lists, my work, and seeing as many friends as possible. With full days like these I have been loving easy dinners that allow me to multi-task! My roasted Cornish hens and root vegetables is the perfect meal to fix on those busy weeknights where you just don't have the time to babysit the stove!

You may or may not have cooked a Cornish hen before, but if you haven't I'm telling you they are just as easy as a regular chicken and are super tender and delicious! Cornish hens are a certain breed of chicken and I love them because everyone gets their own bird where you get your white and dark meat all in one! And even if you aren't usually a dark meat kind of person, the dark meat yes has more fat, but it also holds some serious nutrients that are especially good for women!

PostedMarch 18, 2015

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesDinner

TagsRoasted Cornish Hens, Cornish Hen Recipe, One Pot Meals, Weeknight Meals, Weeknight Cooking, Easy Dinner Recipes, Gluten Free Recipes, Clean Eating, Poultry Recipes, Healthy Dinners, Healthy

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Chorizo, Poblano, and Sweet Potato Quesadillas: My Diary of Us

I've confessed to you my love of all things carby right now, not that I haven't always loved carbs, but as of last week I am officially only craving meals that are heavy on the carbohydrates and low on the veggies. I know....it's so bad, but the other night I had to choke down vegetables and I have never not liked vegetables in my entire life. I haven't been sick with this pregnancy, so I guess food aversions are my dues being paid. These chorizo, poblano, and sweet potato quesadillas have been perfect for me because they are stuffed with good for you ingredients while still satisfying that carb itch at the same time!

I absolutely love the flavor combinations in these quesadillas. They are sweet, salty, spicy, and everything in between. On top of this meal being flavor packed, they're super easy to whip up any night of the week and your whole family will be raving about this cheesy dinner option.

PostedMarch 10, 2015

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesDinner

Tagsquesadillas, healthy Mexican Meals, Dinner, Weeknight Recipes, Easy Recipes, Fast Dinner Ideas, healthy recipes, chorizo quesadillas, sweet potato quesadillas, family friendly meals

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Apricot, Arugula, and Quinoa Salad with a Cumin Vinaigrette: My Diary of Us

It's still raining. Yeah, we are on week two of dreary weather and this gal is overrr it. The backyard is muddy, I have to force myself to be productive, and the only thing that sounds good is a nap and foods that I shouldn't be eating. So in an effort to brighten up this Tuesday I made a colorful and healthy salad that will hopefully turn my rainy day blues around and will keep me full of energy all week long! My apricot, arugula, and quinoa salad with a cumin vinaigrette is just the salad to do the trick! It's gorgeous, full of flavor, and so good for you too!

Quinoa has been around for a while now, and if you aren't using it yet, today is the day to start. It's packed with protein, minerals, and vitamins and is definitely a grain that should be added into your diet! Perfect as a side, or mixed into a salad, I love it just about any way I can get it!

PostedMarch 3, 2015

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesDinner, Lunch, Salads

Tagsquinoa salad, healthy lunch ideas, light lunches, light dinners, healthy meals, meal planning, meal prep, gluten free recipes, clean eating, salad recipes, healthy side dishes

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Healthy Turkey Spaghetti Bolognese: My Diary of Us

In the summertime I envy all of the other states across the country who aren't drenched with humidity and extreme high heat, like we are here in Louisiana. However, currently with all of the ice and snow storms that some of you are dealing with, I am feeling pretty blessed in live in the deep South where 45 degree days are considered cold! And when it's cold, there just isn't much to be motivated about. I just want to hibernate with the biggest blanket I can find, eat comfort food, and watch as many bad chick flicks as the Hallmark channel will play for me. Nothing says comfort and warmth to me like a warm bowl of my healthy turkey spaghetti bolognese!

Honestly I have probably told you this before, but my absolute favorite, could eat for the rest of my life...everyday of my life meal is spaghetti and meatballs..or really just any kind of spaghetti and red sauce! I looovveee it and crave a big bowl of it for dinner on a regular basis.

PostedFebruary 18, 2015

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesDinner, Pasta

Tagsspaghetti, bolognese recipe, healthy bolognese recipe, turkey bolognese, Pasta dishes, dinner, weeknight meals, comfort food, homemade, Italian dishes, healthy dinners, healthy turkey spaghetti bolognese, pasta

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Roasted Cauliflower and Whole Wheat Pasta with Pork Meatballs: My Diary of Us

TGIF guys! This week had been dragging for me, and I am super excited about the weekend finally arriving. Tomorrow night I get to dress up in a ball gown and Canean will be looking dashing in a tux because we are attending a Mardi Gras Ball! To be honest I'm really excited, we haven't gotten this dressed up since our wedding almost seven years ago! It's our last Mardi Gras here in Louisiana so it will be a great way to go out with a bang. As far as the rest of the weekend goes, I'm planning on doing a little blog planning, house de-cluttering, and eating comfort food like my Roasted Cauliflower and Whole Wheat Pasta with Pork Meatballs.

This recipe is one of my favorites. It's pretty healthy and the cauliflower adds extra volume to the dish and you end up eating less pasta.

PostedFebruary 6, 2015

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesDinner, Pasta

Tagspasta dishes, whole wheat pasta, cauliflower recipes, roasted cauliflower, healthy, dinner, weekend, comfort food recipes, homemade, pork meatballs, family style dining, pasta

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